Top 5 tips: travel by road in Ireland

Cars on the island of Ireland drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Signposts in Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas are written in Irish (Gaelic).

To drive, you will need either a full valid national driving license or an international driving permit.

Northern Ireland uses miles per hour, while the Republic of Ireland uses kilometres.

In Ireland, passengers are required by law to wear seat belts at all times in the front and back of the vehicle.

For anyone planning to travel around Ireland by road, it is essential to be prepared. The information contained here will provide a broad background to road laws in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (the island of Ireland). It also contains several useful links to official bodies where further information can be sourced.

Roads in Ireland

Roads in Ireland are generally of a high standard. They range from motorways and dual carriageways to secondary roads with two-way traffic and winding country lanes.

In the Republic of Ireland, motorways are prefixed with an “M” (for example M50). National roads are prefixed with an “N” (for example N18). Secondary roads may also be dual-carriageways or have two way traffic.

Roads in Northern Ireland are prefixed with an "M" for motorway; an "A" and a "B" for primary and non-primary roads. Signs in the Republic of Ireland show distances in kilometres, while in the North miles are used.

Toll roads

There are no tolled roads in Northern Ireland but you'll find tolls on a number of roads in the Republic of Ireland (Disabled drivers are not charged tolls on roads in the Republic of Ireland). These are managed by the National Roads Authority and Dublin City Council. Generally tolls are paid at the barrier of the toll booth, however, there is one exception: M50 eFlow Barrier System.

M50 eFlow Barrier System

There is a barrier-free toll system in operation on the M50 ring road around Dublin. Instead of paying your toll at a toll booth, the system will record your trip by photographing your vehicle's licence plate number. It is important to to pay your toll before 8pm the next day, either online, in branded Payzone outlets or by LoCall 1890 501050.

Driving laws

Driving in Ireland is on the left hand side of the road and all passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times in both the front and back of the vehicle. For those riding motorcycles, both motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. Ireland's laws on drink driving are strict. Those drivers found to be contravening the laws will be heavily penalised. Use of mobile/cell phones while driving is strictly prohibited.

Licence and insurance

You will need either a valid, full national driving licence or an international driving permit to drive in Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, you must carry your driver’s licence at all times.

You must also have motor insurance either in your own name or as a named driver on another’s policy. If you are renting a car, the Car Rental Council of Ireland advises on the various insurances, waivers and options appropriate to your needs.

Speed limits: Republic of Ireland

50kph/30mph in built-up urban areas

80kph/50mph on single non-national open roads

100kph/60mph on national roads

120kph/74.5mph on motorways

Speed limits: Northern Ireland

30mph/50kph in built-up urban areas

60mph/96kph on single carriageways

70mph/112kph on dual carriageways and motorways

Parking

You will need to pay for parking in many cases in Ireland. Look for street signs showing parking information for guidance. You can pay for parking using:

Parking for people with disabilities

If you have a Disabled Person's Parking Permit or Card (also known as European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge, you can use this in any vehicle in which you are travelling. Australian and New Zealand Disability Parking Permits can also be used in Ireland. Contact the Disabled Drivers' Association for more information.

Signposts

In the Republic of Ireland, road signs show distances and speed limits. Road signs and place names are displayed in both Irish (Gaelic) and English. In Gaeltacht areas (where Irish is the primary language) only Irish is used.

Signposts and speeds in Northern Ireland are in miles and miles per hour, while all place names are displayed in English only.

Fuel

Fuel prices will vary between service stations. The Automobile Association features information on pricing in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.